Send us a text

In this episode of Unearth the Past, Dr Michala Hulme steps into the world of vintage fashion by delving into the extraordinary family history of fashion influencer and vintage queen Sophia Rosemary. What unfolds is a gripping tale of hardship, resilience, and unexpected revelations—a history shaped by strong women, wartime sacrifice, and even a Victorian-era crime.

Through archival records and historical sources, Sophia uncovers a gripping courtroom drama involving one of her ancestors—a theft scandal that played out in 19th-century England. But that’s just the beginning. As we trace her lineage through the early 20th century, we uncover the heartbreaking story of her great-great-grandfather, Herbert Simpson, who died at Gallipoli during World War I, and explore the working-class struggles of families in Lancashire and Yorkshire, enduring poverty, war, and social upheaval.

Sophia reflects on how her ancestral past has shaped her identity today—how the stories of her bold, resourceful female ancestors connect to her love of vintage fashion, her deep appreciation for nostalgia, and her passion for Northern Soul culture. From her grandmother Edith, who refused to let polio define her, to newspaper reports documenting family members involved in unlicensed pub operations, petty theft, and even fishing championships, this journey paints a vivid and raw picture of Northern working-class life across generations. Join us as we unearth the past with the brilliant Sophia Rosemary.

Useful links

Dr Michala Hulme

Sophia Rosemary

Top of the Town Vintage

Support the show

Send us a text

When Holly Johnson's voice first electrified the airwaves with Frankie Goes to Hollywood in the 1980s, few could have imagined the rich ancestral tapestry behind the man who urged us all to "Relax." Stepping away from his musical legacy, Holly joins us to unravel a family history that spans continents, military service, and unexpected cultural connections.

Growing up in Liverpool – a city he describes as essentially "the capital of Ireland" – Holly's early years were shaped by sectarian divisions and The Beatles' omnipresent influence. The proximity to musical greatness made success seem achievable for a local lad with ambitions beyond Liverpool's docklands.

Most surprising is Holly's significant connection to India, discovered through multiple generations of military service. His great-grandfather John Joseph McLaughlin met and married Eurasian Kathleen Mary Maguire while stationed with the South Lancashire Regiment in India. Their son – Holly's grandfather – was born in Jubalpur, creating a direct link to the subcontinent that explains the 4% Asian DNA Holly had previously discovered through Ancestry testing.

The journey follows Holly's maternal grandmother's heartbreaking childhood in a Catholic orphanage after her Royal Navy father died of pneumonia, leaving four children separated across different institutions. Meanwhile, his paternal grandfather survived being gassed and shot during WWI before becoming a pharmacist.

For music fans and family history enthusiasts alike, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into how our past shapes our present, even when those connections remain hidden for generations. Listen now to discover the unexpected roots of one of Britain's most distinctive musical voices.

Useful links

Michala Hulme

Holly Johnson

Support the show

Send us a text

What happens when a modern-day rule-breaker and internet sensation uncovers his deep-rooted past? In this episode of Unearth the Past, host Dr Michala Hulme takes Zac Alsop—YouTuber, master of infiltration, and storytelling genius—on an unexpected journey into his own family history.

From Derbyshire railway workers and architects shaping Manchester to a tragic naval disaster and a mysterious death after a pub night gone wrong, Zac’s family story is anything but ordinary. But will he embrace his true Northern roots? And could history inspire his next viral adventure?

🎧 Tune in now for an unforgettable mix of history, mystery, and discovery!

Useful Links

Michala Hulme

Zac Alsop

Support the show